These spots offer a balance of affordability, access to healthcare, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make them ideal for those seeking comfort and quality of life in their golden years.
California’s senior population is rapidly growing, and many retirees are seeking places that offer affordability, good healthcare, and recreational opportunities. While California's high cost of living and climate challenges can make retirement planning difficult, some cities stand out as attractive options for those looking to settle down. Factors such as climate resilience, access to parks, and affordability were considered in ranking 367 cities across the state. As reported by Terry Castleman, at the top of the list are Eureka and Arcata in Humboldt County, both offering coastal beauty, affordability, and a mild climate with no days above 100 degrees projected between 2035 and 2064.
Other notable retirement spots include Benicia in Solano County, known for its access to parks and proximity to the Bay Area, and Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, which offers outdoor recreation in a serene mountain setting. While these cities are more affordable than major metropolitan areas, they still offer residents access to nature and mild climates, making them appealing to retirees. However, more expensive cities like Belmont and Emeryville also made the list due to their excellent health metrics and proximity to major urban centers.
For retirees on a tighter budget, smaller towns such as Coalinga and Ukiah provide affordable housing options while maintaining access to natural beauty and recreation. Conversely, some luxurious locales like Montecito, Malibu, and Palos Verdes Estates rank low due to exorbitant housing costs, despite their desirable settings. In the end, the best retirement destination depends on balancing financial resources with lifestyle priorities, but California offers a wide range of options for different needs.
FULL STORY: We ranked the top 10 best places to retire in California for most people. Would you live here?
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.
Lexington, Kentucky Passes Urban Growth Plan
The city’s new master plan sets out requirements for mixed-use development.
What Might Federal Housing Policy Look Like in 2025?
Changes to tax incentives, fair housing laws, and housing assistance programs would quickly start impacting local efforts to stem the housing crisis.
San Francisco Implements ‘Daylighting’ at Intersections
Vehicles are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk as part of the city’s Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic deaths and make roads safer.
Washington Voters Keep Carbon Tax
An initiative that would have ended the state’s “cap and invest” program failed, leaving the program in place.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
University of Southern California
City of Meridian
University of Calgary
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership
San Joaquin LAFCo
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.